The familiar saying that "it's not the crime, it's the cover-up" is well-worn for a reason. Obstructive behavior or false statements can land defendants in hot water regardless of the substance of the government's underlying allegations. Consider the following:
- Martha Stewart was never convicted of insider trading—she went to federal prison for lying to investigators.
- The House of Representatives initiated impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton on two charges—perjury and obstruction of justice.
- Richard Nixon resigned before the House could vote on whether to initiate charges, but the Judiciary Committee had approved three articles of impeachment against him—for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress.
